Back To School Fashions for Teens

TREND #2:
(Arden B)

TREND #3:
(Delia's)

(Nordstrom)

TREND #4:
(Charlotte Russe)

TREND #5:
(Jimmy'Z)

TREND #6:
(Children's Place)

TREND #7:
(Nordstrom)

TREND #8:
(Jimmy'Z)

TREND #9:
(D.e.m.o.)

TREND #10:
(Fossil)

TREND #11:
(Charlotte Russe)

(VANS)

(Maurices)

TREND #12
(Arden B)

(Nordstrom)

ABOUT SARA ROGERS MALL OF AMERICA TREND SPECIALIST
Sara Rogers has worked in the fashion industry for more than 20 years, including experience as a model, fashion specialist, wardrobe therapist and television host. Now, as Mall of America's trend specialist, Sara specializes in style made simple. Sara is constantly researching retail trends and identifying what's hot in the stores of Mall of America. Sara's experience in both print and broadcast media complement her work in the fashion industry to offer reporters a uniquely educated resource on the latest trends in home, fashion and gift giving.

Teens Spending Hundreds on Back-to-School Clothing Mall of America survey reveals fashion conscious guys and teens' spending plans

More than 50 percent of teens or their parents will spend up to $199 on back-to-school clothing and nearly one third will spend more than $200, according to a national survey of 13 to 17 years, conducted by the Mall of America.

This back-to-school season, boys are fashion conscious with 44 percent beginning to buy their school clothes at least one month before school starts while girls are most likely to purchase continuously. Although becoming more fashion savvy, boys are still not willing to pay as much as girls on their back-to-school wardrobe.

Today's teen Gen Y-ers prefer to shop at the mall, according to nearly 80 percent of those surveyed. While this Myspace.com generation lives online, only two percent of teens purchase clothes online or through catalogs.

With a majority of teenagers heading to malls for their must-have back-to-school purchases, they'll be shopping for an entirely new trend this year.

"Fashion trends are cyclical and this year's dominant trend is 80s revival," said Sara Rogers, trend specialist for Mall of America. "Already flocking to the mall, teens want to try on the hippest clothes of the season  skinny jeans, blazers with lace and ruffles, belts, leggings for girls and retro tennis shoes for boys  and create their own style."

Black is the color of the season, while denim is still a staple in everybody's wardrobe. Girls will be wearing skinny jeans tucked into boots or worn with flats and guys will be sporting denim with stitching on the back pockets. Accessories also are a must and can spice up anyone's closet without depleting a budget. Look for the skull and cross-bone image - influenced by one of Hollywood's most popular movies - on handbags, hats, t-shirts, belt buckles and other accessories.

A destination for 40 million visitors annually, Mall of America has more than 100 fashion-forward stores carrying the latest in clothing, accessories and shoes especially for teens. Mall of America is home to 11 out of the 12 top retailers for girls, according to Women's Wear Daily, and is the fashion mecca for guys, according to a recent issue of DNR News.

Located in Bloomington just 15 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota., Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex and has attracted more than a half billion people since its doors opened in 1992. In addition to more than 520 stores, the Mall is home to the nation's largest indoor theme park, The Park at MOA", a 1.2-million-gallon walk-through aquarium at Underwater Adventures® Aquarium ; a 14-screen movie theater and more.

Note: Mall of America's "Back-to-School" survey was conducted July 14-17, 2006 by Zobgy International. Random telephone interviews were conducted with teens between the ages of 13 and 17.

TOP 10 TEEN FASHION TRENDS FOR FALL

With back-to-school shopping on high alert, teens will no doubt be hunting for the latest and greatest in fashion. Whether it's the perfect belt, the newest shoe style or this season's hottest top, teens will flock to the mall aiming to up their trendiness quotient. Mall of America has unlocked the combination and is now offering a sneak peak into the fall's tightest trends. Here's a glimpse of what's hot.

FOR GIRLS:

1. Skinny jeans -- tucked into boots or worn with flats, this hip-hugging look is a must-have for getting the guys to do that double-take

2. Menswear-inspired with feminine touches -- pair a vest or shrunken blazer with lace and ruffles to give just the right amount of she-stuff flair

3. Layers -- less isn't always more; layer tees and tanks or wear leggings under skirts to achieve this fall's easiest trend

4. Opaque tights and leggings -- forget razors and say goodbye to bare legs this fall; choose from printed or fishnet and keep legs warm with leggings, tights and leg warmers

5. Knits -- whether it's crocheted or cable knit, oversized or long, pair these sweaters with skinny jeans or leggings and stay warm all season long

6. Accessories -- add a hint of "rock" to your wardrobe with bronze, gold, silver or pewter metal accessories, or go Goth with skull and cross-bone purses, jewelry and hats

7. Rich fabrics -- tweed, brocade, fur, velvet and plaid will add depth and dimension to any fall wardrobe

8. Cinched waists -- show off feminine curves with belts of all colors and shapes around the midriff, or try two or three skinny belts together for an original look

9. Head-to-toe black -- black is back, and it's the color of the season

10. Volume -- pump up the volume this fall with oversized necks and bubble skirts, dresses and coats

FOR GUYS:

1. Detailed denim -- show off your better side with detailed stitching and designs on the back pockets

2. Layers -- be ready to keep your girl warm this winter: layer tees, sweaters, vests, coats and scarves

3. Gothic -- skulls are all the rage this fall and can be found on tees, hats, belt buckles, jewelry and shoes

4. Rock & Roll graphic t-shirts -- keep it real in this comfortable classic; pair'em with your favorite jeans and retro sneakers

5. Leather -- leather jackets will add drama to any look

6. Retro tennis shoes -- track shoes from the 70s are back in full force and can be found in a wide variety of fabrics and bright colors

7. Vests -- dress to impress with a tuxedo-style vest or play it casual with one that's puffy and insulated

8. Military-inspired -- show off your patriotic side with camouflage pants, hats and messenger bags, and don't forget the must-have military jacket, which can be worn simply or decked out in emblematic braiding and trim

9. Classic sportswear -- show off your school spirit in college-striped polos and rugby shirts

10. Dress it up -- jazz up your style with suit jackets and sport coats; if you're feeling really daring, splurge for a velvet jacket

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